Rusconi’s American Kitchen Experience

He Said   Another strip mall treasure hidden in the plaza at Shea and Tatum. Rusconi’s has been there for a few years and I have had multiple people tell me I have to check it out and I am happy I did. My map app kept having me drive around the plaza and then telling me I had arrived but I couldn’t see it. Luckily, I ignored the constant turn directions and found it just north of the Z’Tejas. Once you get past the maze of a shopping center you will forget it all and be minutes away from a superb dining experience. The space is long and surprisingly holds more people than it appears from the outside. We were seated in the back near the kitchen and that may have been the reason for the somewhat uncomfortable temperature in the dining area. Even our poor waiter was obviously over-heating, but that didn’t stop him from providing amazing service. Perfectly timed check-ins and great knowledge of the menu we were quickly able to make our selections. In fact, everyone on the team was helpful and visible; including, the manager and Chef. It’s always a good sign when you see the entire staff paying serious attention to every dish coming out of the kitchen. The presentation of the dishes were spot on with some of the best restaurants I have dined. I chose the night’s special; which, was a Chilean Seabass on a bed of garlic spätzle and green beans. The pan sear was perfect on the Seabass and the inside was cooked to perfection. It melted in my mouth, bite by bite. The spätzle was a smart accompaniment with just enough garlic, not over flavored and without leaving you smelling like you just left an Italian restaurant. The other dish at the table was the sustainable salmon with a blackberry glaze, small potatoes, baby cabbage, and roasted corn. It looked amazing and indeed the dish did not disappoint. Both of the dishes were high quality meals without being pretentious. A statement the restaurant seems to exude throughout in every way, from the food to the décor and atmosphere. You never feel unwelcomed or uncomfortable in anyway. We ended with the dark chocolate bread pudding. Wow! Moist bread pudding surrounded by a dark chocolate, sitting in a shallow pool of white sauce with berries. When I get bread pudding that is not dunked and sitting deep in a crème sauce I worry it will be dry and unappetizing. This was moist without falling apart. I can only assume the chocolate seals the moisture into the bread. I may never know this secret but let’s just hope it stays on the menu forever. There are so many great options on the menu I will be returning to try them out. However, it is important to know the menu changes seasonally so better get in quick before this great menu is replaced by another great menu.

She Said   Coming Soon!

Read our Listing on this restaurant now.